Discount card launched to protect Unthank Road’s independent shops

Twenty-two traders on Unthank Road have joined the Unthank Road Bonus Scheme.

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Thousands of discount cards are to be distributed in a bid to encourage people to support the independent businesses in Norwich’s Golden Triangle.

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A map of the shops participating in the Unthank Road Bonus Scheme.

The Unthank Road Bonus Scheme, launched by the Norwich Labour Party, has already signed up 22 businesses in the area, with each offering incentives to attract shoppers.

The idea came after people identified the area’s unique independent shopping culture as one of the best things about Unthank Road.

The scheme has already drawn interest from across the city and, if successful, could be repeated in other parts of Norwich.

Clive Lewis, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich South, said the programme could reinvigorate local businesses, keeping money and jobs in the area, and maintaining a balance with supermarkets and larger outlets.

“It’s also a chance for us to engage with people in the area and show what we are about,” he said.

“It’s not about massive discounts, but about raising the profile of small businesses and helping them keep their heads above water.”

Shops signed up to the scheme are listed on the right.

A total of 7,000 cards will be distributed to households in the Town Close and Nelson wards, though they are also available from participating shops.

The launch follows a similar initiative to businesses at Earlham House during building works.

Miss Corlett said: “People told us that independent shops were the best thing about this area. The idea for the scheme came about after people asked if more could be done to support them, and to make sure that people moving to the area knew about them.”